Feeding The Doves

By Celia Thaxter

Illustrated by Henry Bacon

Coo, coo, my pretty doves, fly lightly here!
See, snowy rice and golden grain I spill!
Come wheeling through the wide air far and near,
Come from the gray old tower and take your fill.
Swell your soft breasts and curve each graceful neck
With rainbows spanned, and ruffle all your plumes
So dainty fine and clean, without a speck,
Lustrous as changing silk from Lyons looms.
Suzette is calling, -- there is naught to fear!
Coo, coo, my pretty doves, fly lightly here!

Sure as the constant morning comes Suzette
To bring you food, you know she will not fail, --
Crossing the tender grass all dewy-wet:
Her welcome voice you hear, and down you sail,
Her pets, her pleasures, planting rosy feet
Upon the green and gazing brilliant-eyed,
Askance up to her face with crooning sweet,
Lifting your shining heads in love and pride
For all obey her well-known summons dear,
Coo, coo, my pretty doves, fly lightly here!